The Paterno family released this statement announcing his death:
"He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had the leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community."
The Penn State community gathered at Joe's statue to prayer and light candles. On Saturday, announcements came that Paterno's health was serious. The cancer was taking its toll on the former coach and the outlook looked grim. On Sunday, the news came.
Paterno once said, "Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things."In so many ways, the beloved coach lived by his own words.
"He will go down as the greatest football coach in the history of the game," said Urban Meyer, Ohio State's coach.
Paterno was stricken with lung cancer soon after his firing over the Jerry Sandusky scandal broke. After the scandal of Sandusky's alleged sexual abuse of 10 young boys, the coach had this to say.
"This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life," Paterno said. "With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more."The former Penn State coach was loved by many. Paterno's death leaves a gaping hole for all those who loved him.
